BELEM (Brazil), Nov 23: Following extended day long discussions, COP30 reached its conclusion on Saturday in the evening with an agreement among 194 nations on measures to reduce emissions, as well as the development of country-specific strategies for adapting to climate change and decreasing fossil fuel consumption.
In a statement to the media, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, commented on the challenges faced this year, noting that denial, division, and geopolitical factors have significantly hindered international cooperation. However, COP30 demonstrated that collaboration on climate issues remains strong, highlighting humanity’s commitment to securing a livable planet while striving to keep global temperature rises within the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit.
“I’m not claiming that we are winning the battle against climate change, but we are undoubtedly still engaged and pushing back. At this moment, nations have opted for unity, scientific guidance, and sensible economic approaches. Although this year has seen a notable retreat from one nation, 194 countries displayed unwavering solidarity, reinforcing their support for climate cooperation,” Stiell emphasized.
He reaffirmed the pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stating that countries representing billions of individuals united in a single message: “the Paris Agreement is effective” and committed to enhancing and expediting its implementation.
“Progress is evident in the new agreement concerning just transitions, indicating that efforts to build climate resilience and a sustainable economy must also ensure fairness, allowing every nation and individual to benefit. The agreement to triple adaptation financing illustrates this commitment,” he remarked.
He further stated, “The global shift toward low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience is an irreversible trend for the future. This consensus was reached unanimously by 194 nations due to the undeniable truth, which is supported by increased investments in renewable energy, now outpacing fossil fuels. ”
At COP30, under the Action Agenda, a plan was established to allocate one trillion dollars toward developing clean energy grids, alongside protecting or restoring hundreds of millions of hectares of forest, land, and oceans. Stiell highlighted that over 400 million individuals would benefit from increased resilience.
“Beyond these walls, billions are concerned with fundamental issues: Will my family have enough food? Can I afford my energy bills? Will my child have access to clean air? Are the people and places dear to me safe from the next flood, fire, or storm? This COP has begun addressing these everyday worries- although not perfectly or rapidly, there have been tangible steps taken,” he asserted.
The UN is dedicated to accelerating the full execution of national climate strategies and collectively striving for improvement through the Action Agenda, which aims to advance this acceleration despite the numerous adverse impacts of climate change that fuel fear and misinformation, elevate prices, destabilize economies, and place communities under pressure, Stiell concluded.
Activists from various countries, including India, voiced their disappointment regarding the results of COP, stating, “There is no commitment made towards rational financing for climate change and the establishment of the Global Goal of Adaptation (GGA). Instead, it reflects a fragile compromise lacking any concrete action.”
(UNI)
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